Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. Zakynthos,[a] also known as Zante,[b] is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands, with an area of 405.55 km2 (156.6 sq mi),[5] and a coastline 123 km (76 mi) in length. In Greek mythology, the island was said to be named after Zacynthus, the son of the legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus.
Zakynthos, Greece Cruise Port Guide
Greek Isles · Greece
Port day snapshot
Zakynthos shore-day moodGreeceGreek IslesSeaDays guide
Greek Ionian island known for Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) and loggerhead sea turtles.
Bookable Experiences
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Weather & best season
Typical Mediterranean climate Average temperature: 18°C (64°F).
Best season: May, June, July, August, September
Port information
- Timezone
- EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3)
- Language
- Greek
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
Getting there
- From the terminal
- Zakynthos cruise terminal
- Distance to city
- Within Zakynthos town
- Walking
- 5-10 minutes to town center
- Public transport
- Local buses to beaches and villages
Transportation options
- Walking to town
- Taxi to beaches
- Local buses
Overview
Things to do
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. Zakynthos,[a] also known as Zante,[b] is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands,. For a shore day in Zakynthos, choose one main activity first, then keep time for meals, walking, and the return to the pier.
- Screenshot ship departure time and pier map before you lose signal.
- Pair a light breakfast on the ship with a local lunch ashore to maximize exploration time.
- Check whether your line offers shuttle pricing before you commit to taxis at Zakynthos.
- Confirm your assigned pier and all-aboard time before leaving the ship at Zakynthos.
- Start with one anchor sight, then leave room for spontaneity around Zakynthos.
Climate
Typical Mediterranean climate
- Climate type
- Mediterranean
- Average temperature
- 18°C (64°F)
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Best months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Rainy season
- Winter
Politics & entry requirements
- Government
- Parliamentary republic
- Stability
- Stable
- Visa requirements
- Entry and visa rules depend on nationality. Many visitors use Schengen short-stay rules, but requirements change—confirm with official government sources and your cruise line before travel.
- Entry requirements
- Carry a valid passport (or a national ID where your cruise line and destination authorities accept it). Cruise transit formalities can differ from a normal airport entry—follow your ship’s document list.
Facts
- Established
- Ancient Greek colony, Venetian rule for centuries
- Significance
- Famous for Navagio Beach and marine conservation
Notable features
- Navagio Beach
- Blue Caves
- Marathonisi island
Cultural context
- Venetian influence
- Local music
- Greek Orthodox churches
Size & capacity
- Port capacity
- Main port of Zakynthos island
- Terminals
- 2
- Berths
- 3
- Annual visitors
- Popular Mediterranean cruise stop
- City size
- Main town (Zakynthos) population around 16,000
Traveler questions
How far is Zakynthos cruise terminal from the city center?
Within Zakynthos town
What transport options are available from the Zakynthos cruise port?
Local buses to beaches and villages
What are the entry or visa requirements for Zakynthos?
Entry and visa rules depend on nationality. Many visitors use Schengen short-stay rules, but requirements change—confirm with official government sources and your cruise line before travel. Carry a valid passport (or a national ID where your cruise line and destination authorities accept it). Cruise transit formalities can differ from a normal airport entry—follow your ship’s document list.
When is the best time to visit Zakynthos on a cruise?
Best months: May, June, July, August, September. Typical Mediterranean climate
Reviews
Public community reviews for Zakynthos live in the SeaDays app.
Cruise relevance
Zakynthos matters to cruise planning because port time, transport distance, and all-aboard timing shape how much of the destination you can realistically enjoy. Embarkation from Zakynthos can simplify flight planning when airports and hotels align; compare total trip cost versus other homeports.
Best time to visit
May, June, July, August, September
Tips for travelers
Before leaving the ship in Zakynthos, save the pier location, ship time, and any shuttle details offline. Book independent tours with verified reviews and clear meeting points; screenshot confirmations in case connectivity fails.
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